Robinia, the ecological and economical Europian alternative

​of the tropical woods.

Robinia pseudoacacia, also known in its native territory as Black locust is a tree of the genus Robinia in the subfamily Faboideae of the pea family Fabaceae. It is native to the southeastern United States, but has been widely planted and naturalised elsewhere in temperate North America, Europe, Southern Africa and Asia and is considered an invasive species in some areas. Another common name is false acacia, a literal translation of the specific name. It has been introduced into Britain in 1636.

-Robinia is a very hard and strong wood, competing with Hickory (Carya genus) as the strongest and stiffest domestic timber, but with more stability and rot resistance

-it is the hardest and most durable European wood(even harder and more durable than most tropical woods)

-durability: Cl. 1-2 (DIN 68364/EN 350-2), approximately 30+ years when used in direct contact with soil

- colour can range from a pale greenish-yellow to a darker brown. Tends to darken to a russet brown with age

-rated as very durable in regard to decay resistance, with good weathering characteristics. Frequently used as fence/vine posts, decking, cladding, playgrounds equipment for its outdoor longevity

-for example, hand split acacia stake has a lifetime about 30-40 years

- naturally durable, it is not necessary to treat it chemically

- it does not mediate the winter frost-effect into the soil

- natural product with excellent resistance to fungus and to insects

-fully sustainable timber

The Natural Durability of Commonly Available UK Timber

The average life in years of 50mm by 50mm posts in ground contact prior to failure. Larger cross sections can be expected to last longer. However, it may not be directly proportional to the 50mm by 50mm posts on a test. All samples are heartwood. The range of timbers listed is commonly available species grown in the UK. The range of lifespans can be used as a guide to the relative natural durability between the species. Most durable being “1”

Our Robinia decking and tiles are made from boards, finger jointed with 11mm long teeth.We are using D4 adhesive which meets all EU ecological requirements and is applied on products exposed to various weather conditions.

We supply French vine growers and farmers with thousands of Robinia vineyard posts and stakes every month.